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A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

Upcoming Bariatric Weight-loss Surgery at 14Stone

35 replies

smurffette · 29/04/2022 09:41

At 5”4, I the heaviest I’ve ever been (13St 11Lbs) So, after a lot of research and diet attempts, I’m about to have weight loss surgery next month. I’m Currently undecided between a Gastric Bypass and Gastric sleeve.
I was wondering if anyone else of the same weight has gone through one of the surgeries? I’m curious to hear about others experiences! Or is anyone else considering or waiting for a Surgery?

OP posts:
Nuggetss · 27/11/2022 07:32

postcardpuffin · 27/11/2022 01:30

A close friend of mine had it at around that weight at only 35. Very sadly she afterwards developed significant problems with eating but also significant scar tissue around the incision which meant it couldn’t easily be reversed. She became an alcoholic and died within two years - very very painfully - of liver failure. She was not eligible for a liver transplant, partly because of the internal damage the bariatric surgery had caused. The private clinic that had done the surgery - in the U.K. - closed, and her family couldn’t sue, but it was obvious that they should not have done it at her weight and she would never have been accepted for it on the NHS.

For some reason, a significant amount of women who have bariatric surgery afterwards become serious alcoholics. It’s not yet known why - it could be psychological or physical and there are various theories as to why, but no hard answers as yet (the surgery changes the way you metabolise alcohol). But that’s one of the reasons the NHS is so cautious about it and provides a lot of pre and post surgery long term follow-up that you don’t get with private clinics, and that you certainly won’t get if you have it abroad.

My friend should never have had the surgery and it effectively ended her life. I’m your weight and height right now. There’s nothing in the world that would induce me to have bariatric surgery after seeing what happened to my friend.

I'm so sorry about your friend , It's called transfer addiction they don't recommend you touch alcohol for about 12 months following the op. Some people do healthier stuff like exercise or shopping. Mines Costa coffee which I never cared for before. I get one every other day., sadly for a lot of us wls people eating was a significant part of our lives. Everyone should have some therapy before and after surgery to prevent this.

💐💐 Sorry again for your friend

postcardpuffin · 27/11/2022 08:25

Ah thank you @Nuggetss , that’s very kind! Yes I think the counselling and follow up is so important! It’s really life changing surgery and not to be taken lightly. ❤️

FitAt50 · 27/11/2022 08:36

I had a gastric sleeve 5 years ago and lost 8 stone. Best thing I have ever done and now have a normal healthy life. Very happy with my decision and feel great.

bloodyplanes · 27/11/2022 08:52

postcardpuffin · 27/11/2022 01:30

A close friend of mine had it at around that weight at only 35. Very sadly she afterwards developed significant problems with eating but also significant scar tissue around the incision which meant it couldn’t easily be reversed. She became an alcoholic and died within two years - very very painfully - of liver failure. She was not eligible for a liver transplant, partly because of the internal damage the bariatric surgery had caused. The private clinic that had done the surgery - in the U.K. - closed, and her family couldn’t sue, but it was obvious that they should not have done it at her weight and she would never have been accepted for it on the NHS.

For some reason, a significant amount of women who have bariatric surgery afterwards become serious alcoholics. It’s not yet known why - it could be psychological or physical and there are various theories as to why, but no hard answers as yet (the surgery changes the way you metabolise alcohol). But that’s one of the reasons the NHS is so cautious about it and provides a lot of pre and post surgery long term follow-up that you don’t get with private clinics, and that you certainly won’t get if you have it abroad.

My friend should never have had the surgery and it effectively ended her life. I’m your weight and height right now. There’s nothing in the world that would induce me to have bariatric surgery after seeing what happened to my friend.

Its called addiction transfer and any clinic worth their salt will advise of this and tell you not to drink for at least a year after surgery! I had a gastric bypass and its the best thing ive ever done! It sorted my weight issues out once and for all. Its not major surgery but it is life changing. Although my BMI was higher than op's.

Hoppinggreen · 27/11/2022 09:05

FitAt50 · 27/11/2022 08:36

I had a gastric sleeve 5 years ago and lost 8 stone. Best thing I have ever done and now have a normal healthy life. Very happy with my decision and feel great.

How much did you weigh before you had the surgery?
If you lost 8 stone you were probably more than than the 13 stones OP is

Newlifenewme · 28/11/2022 22:33

My BMI was 36 and my surgeon made me jump through hoops to make sure I knew what was involved before he’d let me have the surgery. I also had other issues. I don’t think there was any way he’d let me have surgery at 14 stone!

Bariatric surgery is not the easy way out. It’s not guaranteed and it’s certainly not about sitting back and watching the weight fall off. It’s mentally and physically draining. It’s hard work.

I’ve lost quite a bit already and still losing. But that’s because I’ve been working hard. Please talk to people and get advice before you go ahead (if you go ahead) and please don’t go abroad to someone who will just operate and send you home :(

PopcornAndPeanutsAndChocolateAndTea · 28/11/2022 22:43

postcardpuffin · 27/11/2022 01:30

A close friend of mine had it at around that weight at only 35. Very sadly she afterwards developed significant problems with eating but also significant scar tissue around the incision which meant it couldn’t easily be reversed. She became an alcoholic and died within two years - very very painfully - of liver failure. She was not eligible for a liver transplant, partly because of the internal damage the bariatric surgery had caused. The private clinic that had done the surgery - in the U.K. - closed, and her family couldn’t sue, but it was obvious that they should not have done it at her weight and she would never have been accepted for it on the NHS.

For some reason, a significant amount of women who have bariatric surgery afterwards become serious alcoholics. It’s not yet known why - it could be psychological or physical and there are various theories as to why, but no hard answers as yet (the surgery changes the way you metabolise alcohol). But that’s one of the reasons the NHS is so cautious about it and provides a lot of pre and post surgery long term follow-up that you don’t get with private clinics, and that you certainly won’t get if you have it abroad.

My friend should never have had the surgery and it effectively ended her life. I’m your weight and height right now. There’s nothing in the world that would induce me to have bariatric surgery after seeing what happened to my friend.

It's known as Transfer Addiction
A very high chance of being alcohol dependent after weight loss surgery

DrJump · 28/11/2022 22:51

I'm six months post gastric sleeve. I was around BMI of 44. I had 2 years of counselling and program before being eligible and it is still and absolute bastard and hard work. My team has also prescribed additional weightloss medication to help get the weight down. The combination of drug management, behaviour management (planing, tracking, journaling) exercise, and portion control seams to be working. But it's hard and rocky. I wouldn't have done it unless I had had the amount I needed to lose to lose.

CourtneeLuv · 28/11/2022 23:00

Get a gastric balloon instead.

Nuggetss · 28/11/2022 23:48

CourtneeLuv · 28/11/2022 23:00

Get a gastric balloon instead.

Don't the failure rate is so high. Op it depends if you are a yo yo dieter , I've been 9 stone I've been 18. I decided I wanted to stop yo yoing. I've never gained weight after my op I have to prevent myself losing more as I was never a grazer. I have lifetime reflux but I do feel much happier and that I've finally conquered food addiction.

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